With the debut of the all-new third generation Ford Focus at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit today, the blue oval takes its first major step at a truly global representation in the C-segment.
“The new Ford Focus is a clear demonstration that our “One Ford” strategy is providing global consumers with great products that harness the best of Ford Motor Company. The efficiencies generated by our new global C-car platform will enable us to provide Ford Focus customers with an affordable product offering quality, fuel efficiency, safety and technology beyond their expectations,” said Alan Mulally, Ford president and CEO.
In accordance with the “One Ford” philosophy, the new Focus will be virtually identical in markets around the world, with 80 per cent parts commonality.
As one of four cars sold around the world are C-segment vehicles, the new Focus is rather important for Ford, as are the other 10 models that will be built on the new C-car platform, including the new Ford C-Max and Ford Grand C-Max, both already previewed at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year for launch in Europe this year, but unconfirmed for South Africa.
The Focus employs the famed “kinetic design” principle applied to recent products, with bold lines to create a striking front end, sleek profile, dramatic rising beltline and athletic stance. CAR deputy editor Hannes Oosthuizen, who’s seen the Focus at Ford’s Dearborn headquarters, had this to say…
“When the covers came off in Dearborn, at the company’s advanced research centre, I was somewhat taken aback – in a good way. It is far, far prettier than the current car with a muscular stance and aggressive front treatment with the lower trapezoidal grille split into three parts.”
“Martin Smith, the design director, also talks of a “Zorro kick”, an interplay of slashes where the higher side character line and wheelarch line miss one another. At the rear, the Focus hatch has interesting Manta-Ray shaped lights.”
The global engine line-up includes a range of new turbocharged petrol four-cylinder units with direct injection, and improved Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesel engines – all of which offer up to 20 per cent reductions in fuel consumption compared to outgoing models. Ford’s new six-speed dual-clutch Powershift automatic transmission will feature too.
New technology includes the company’s “MyFord” driver connect technology, which allows the driver to operate key vehicle features through a combination of controls and display screens. Range-topping models include an eight-inch touch screen, allowing the driver to control a wider range of functions.
The Ford SYNC connectivity package includes a sophisticated voice control system, Bluetooth connectivity and satellite navigation, as well as connection points for external devices and media players. Other features include keyless entry and start, a rearview camera and semi-automatic parallel parking system that automatically steers the Focus into a parking spot.
With production due to start simultaneously at plants in Asia Europe and North America later this year, individual market launches will start early in 2011. South African’s will see the new Focus in 2012.
